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Indie calls McPhee for feature bow

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"American Idol" runner-up Katharine McPhee is set to make her feature film debut as the star of the indie dark romantic comedy "The Last Caller."

Penned by Michael Albanese, the story is described as a coming-of-age tale about a self-obsessed woman (McPhee) who searches for love, hope and meaning during a few random events with other urban seekers.

"Caller" is produced by Hit and Run Prods.' Hilary Shor ("Children of Men") and Zenith Film Group's Nicholas Cokas. Robert Hawk ("Chasing Amy") will serve as associate producer. The film's budget will fall in the $5 million-$8 million range, and shooting is scheduled to start in the fall in and around New York.

"This is the first thing that I read that I really wanted to do," said McPhee, who added that the role doesn't involve singing. "I'm up for a couple of big studio projects, but they weren't starring roles. I wanted to start off doing something a little different. It's something that a lot of people wouldn't expect me doing."

In fact, the Southern California native said the film's protagonist "is definitely a little darker than me."

McPhee, who was edged out by Taylor Hicks as winner of the fifth season of "American Idol," made her self-titled album debut for RCA/19 Recordings, which landed at No. 2 on the Billboard chart. Her first single, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/My Destiny," debuted at No. 2 on Billboard's Hot Singles Sales chart.

She is repped by Untitled Entertainment and CAA.Nellie Andreeva contributed to this report.